Page 81 of Next to Everything We Wanted

Sienna

So does Everett have his act together and won’t get upset about us hanging out?

Gavin

I’m not sure, but he’s my friend, not my dad. He can’t forbid us from hanging out.

Sienna

Good, forbidden romance is only fun in books

Friendship, not romance

Though I think we should talk about that . . .

You can’t kiss me like that and expect me to forget

I stroked a hand through my hair.

Gavin

We should discuss that in person tomorrow

So I don’t make a rash decision and screw things up.

Sienna

Kk

I was about to ask her if she was feeling better when Forrest swung open the door, causing me to jump against the bed frame.

“Dude!” I pressed a hand to my chest. “I thought I locked that.”

“Well, you’re wrong.” He shut the door before crossing his arms over his chest.

“If Phoenix is making us apologize to each other, you’re welcome to leave.”

“Phoenix isn’t my dad.” Forrest sat in my desk chair. “Though I do like him more than my actual dad.”

I held back a laugh, not wanting to soften up to him.

He sighed. “Seriously, I haven’t been a great friend lately.”

You think?I bit back my response.

“I know I come off strong when it comes to that girl. I’m just genuinely worried about you. You usually don’t try to hide things from us or run things yourself.” His eyes met mine, back to their usual color. “I’m just trying to prevent things from changing.”

A lump grew in my throat. “Sometimes we outgrow things.”

He stroked his messy curls. “I didn’t think about that when we started the band. All I focused on was being able to make music and perform without dealing with our past identities. I never thought we would outgrow What Do You Bean or have so many fans or . . .”

“What did you expect?” I asked softly.

“When the Masons let us perform at What Do You Bean, I thought it’d be our safe space. We’d sing, get some praise, and find enough supporters to make a living. I didn’t expect it to feel like we were getting famous all over again.” He fiddled with his watch. “You’ve always been more open with everyone. Talking to the fans after gigs, signing their stuff, interacting on social media. I always worried that you’d get too attached.”

I blinked, trying to understand what he was saying. “I’m not naïve, Forrest. I have panic attacks for a reason.”

“I know, but still, when that girl entered the picture, you started acting differently. I worry that you don’t use your head sometimes since you have such a big heart.” He bit his lip. “What I’m trying to say is that I’m worried about you. It doesn’t justify the way I lash out, and I’ll apologize to Sienna when I see her, but it’s why I do it. I’m sorry.”